Simple Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Sustainable Living at Home and in Your Community

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

Authored by Neil Stawski

---

Of the many problems facing our world right now, climate change is one of the most serious. If steps are not taken to counteract its progress, serious effects may take shape as soon as a decade from now — or even earlier.  However, we can do a great deal to combat climate change in our own communities. Here are some changes you can make in your home and around your community that can help slow the progress of climate change

Start on the Personal Level

Change starts on a personal level, and the best way you can begin to fight climate change is by making small changes in your own home. For instance, did you know that traditional incandescent bulbs use a great deal of energy due to the amount of heat they produce? By swapping out your incandescent bulbs for LED lights, not only will you help conserve energy, but you can also save a fair amount on your electric bill. While LED lights may be more expensive than incandescent bulbs or CFLs, they rapidly pay for themselves. To make them even more appealing, while 10 years ago they were limited to an icy blue shade, today, the entire range of colors is available, from bright white, which is good for offices, to warm yellows for cozy living rooms. LEDs can help you save energy while making the design and look of your home seem even more appealing.

Reduce the Amount of Energy Used in Your Home

You can also help reduce the amount of energy in your home by taking steps to prevent the loss of your home’s heating and cooling energy. Many homes, particularly older ones, are poorly insulated. If you have good insulation in your home, that means less energy will transfer — meaning that it will take less energy to keep your home warm or cool, no matter the season.  You can acquire recycled insulation made from things like old newspapers to reduce waste.​

Another way you can keep the energy you spend in your home where it belongs is by updating your windows. Cheaper or older windows typically are not 100 percent sealed, even when they are completely shut. This means that it is likely that you are losing a significant portion of your air-conditioned (or heated) air without even realizing it. By replacing your windows, you will further reduce the amount of energy used to keep your home at the temperature you prefer. 

Go Out Into the Community

Of course, going green can only be effective if you also enlist others to take part in the cause.  This is why it is important to get out into your community and convince your neighbors to adopt similar types of environmentally friendly adjustments to their homes. The first step is to get to know the members of your community on a general level, as acquaintances or friends. Next, if they show interest in your home improvements, tell them what you’ve done and why each part is important. While you cannot force someone to go green, you can help raise their curiosity on the matter. You can also help out your community by buying local produce and by finding alternatives to your car, such as bicycles, scooters, or public transportation.​

Going green is a twofold task — not only is it important to make your home more environmentally friendly, but it is also critical to spread the information among your community.  By getting to know people and sharing your passion for sustainable living, you can help counteract the effects of climate change today.

About the Author

Neil Stawski has discovered that when we look at how our green actions impact our communities we start to see a real difference and wants to inspire others to join in the fight against climate change. As a result, Neil is passionate about educating people on environmentally-friendly changes we can make to our homes and within our communities to live more sustainably. You can read more from Neil at www.climatewise.co.